Southeast Arizona

Arizona

Southeast Arizona's Sky Island mountain ranges rising from the Sonoran Desert create one of North America's most unique birding destinations. Home to over 15 species of hummingbirds—the highest diversity in the United States—and sought-after Mexican specialties like Elegant Trogon, this region attracts birders worldwide. The area encompasses legendary locations including Madera Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, and Cave Creek Canyon.

Best Months to Visit

April to May, July to August

Birding Season

Year-round, peak April-May and July-August

Notable Species

Elegant Trogon Violet-crowned Hummingbird Lucifer Hummingbird Mexican Spotted Owl Red-faced Warbler

Top Birding Guides in Southeast Arizona

Browse our selection of expert birding guides serving the Southeast Arizona area.

Melody Kehl - Melody's Birding Adventures

5.0

Long-time Tucson resident who has led hundreds of professional birding and nature tours throughout Arizona since 1991. As a truly local guide, Melody spends over 250 days a year birding and hiking in Southern Arizona. Each adventure is designed as a unique and personalized birding experience, with schedules and pacing tailored to individual needs and interests.

Sky Island specialties Hummingbirds Mexican specialties

33 years of experience

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Richard Fray - Fun Birding Tours

4.9

Professional birding guide who has lived and birded in southeastern Arizona for over 20 years, guiding full-time since founding Fun Birding Tours in 2010. Former Tucson Audubon Society board member (2008-2012). Specializes in helping birders find Arizona's most sought-after species including Elegant Trogon, hummingbirds, and other Sky Island specialties throughout southeastern Arizona.

Elegant Trogon Sky Island birds Hummingbirds

22 years of experience

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Scott Wilbor - Nature InSight

4.8

Avid birder for over 35 years with a 20-year history working in the Southwest as a conservation biologist, researcher, and practitioner. Provides birding guide services within Southeast Arizona from a Tucson base, offering both half-day and full-day guided adventures. Focuses on outstanding habitats for birds and other wildlife, including lesser-known wild places. Specializes in entry to intermediate-level birding experiences.

Conservation biology Sky Island ecosystems Desert specialties

35 years of experience

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Felipe Guerrero - Arizona Birding Guides

4.9

Originally from Virginia, Felipe relocated to Arizona in 2006 and founded his Prescott-based tour company Arizona Birding Guides (formerly Arizona Birding Tours). With nearly two decades of birding experience throughout Arizona, he offers professional guide services across the state including hotspots in Tucson, Sierra Vista, Portal, Phoenix, Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff. Specializes in bird photography tours and helping birders get the best possible photos of Arizona's spectacular birds. Expert consultation on birding areas, target species, and trip planning.

Bird photography Arizona specialties Multi-region expertise

19 years of experience

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Adventure Birding Co - John Yerger, Jake Mohlmann & Keith Kamper

4.9

Professional birding guide company founded in 2006 by John Yerger and Jake Mohlmann, specializing in bird watching and nature tours year-round in Southeastern Arizona and worldwide destinations. The company is owned and operated by experienced guides John Yerger, Jake Mohlmann, and Keith Kamper, who collectively bring decades of birding expertise. Fully insured with official outfitter/guide permits for Coronado National Forest. John Yerger has nearly 30 years of birding experience and leads tours from Portal. Jake Mohlmann discovered North America's first Brown Hawk-Owl. Keith Kamper brings over 35 years of experience, serves on the Arizona Bird Committee and Tucson Audubon Board.

Sky Island specialties Elegant Trogon Portal and Cave Creek Canyon

19 years of experience

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